You can follow the trail by matching numbers on gates and posts with numbers on the map. The leaflet points out things to see next to some of the numbers. The full trail is 1 3/4 KM (1 mile), and will take about 30-40 minutes. However if you take more time to enjoy the peace and quiet you will see more wildlife. The neighbouring Lower Fordlands Farm also has a trail, which links to the Roliphants Farm trail to make a longer walk. Ask Mr & Mrs Hopkins for a leaflet.

The trail includes areas of areas of rough terrain. Wear appropriate clothing, especially footwear. Wellingtons are advisable at all times of year. Please close gates (especially in fields containing livestock) and respect electric fences. Please take special care around ponds and the River Lowman - there are some deep pools. To avoid accidents, supervise children at all times.

Enjoyment of the farmed countryside carries occasional risks. The owners of Roliphants Farm have taken care to minimise these risks but will not accept responsibility for damage or injury in circumstances where they have not been negligent.

Green way-marked discs will guide you to areas of special interest. There are a number of small "scrape" ponds, so please make sure children are supervised at all times. In the wildwood, before humans started farming the countryside, bogs and shallow pools were common. As humans drained land for farming, these wet areas became rare. This is why much of Britain's rarest wildlife comes from wetland habitats. Look out for toads and the blue and green southern hawker dragonflies, which have an impressive 10cm wingspan.

Mr & Mrs Hopkins christened this pond the "Otter Pond" because rescued otters were released back into the wild here in 1999. The pond is stocked with tench, carp, roach and rudd, which provide the occasional free lunch for wildlife. Otters, kingfishers and herons are amongst the species that partake of Mr & Mrs Hopkins hospitality. Look out also for the family of buzzards that sometimes nest in a nearby hedgerow tree. Wetland around the pond is rich with wildflowers. It is important that this area is lightly grazed or cut to prevent colonisation by trees and shrubs, which would eventually overshadow the wildflowers and pond.

In the past, farms and villages dug ponds to provide water for the farm, silt for fertilising the fields, power for water-mills and fish or ducks for the table. In recent years many of these ponds have been filled in or allowed to dry up. Consequently new ponds like the ones at Roliphants Farm are becoming more important for wildlife. The secret of creating a good pond for wildlife is to provide a variety of habitats. The Otter Pond shelves gently, allowing marshy habitats to grade into shallow water with reeds. The vegetation around the pond provides cover and food for reptiles, amphibians, birds and small mammals, but there is also plenty of open water for aquatic plants.